Women Scientists Shaping the Future of Health and Science in the Swiss Health Valley

From neurology to nanotechnology, and from molecular biology to cancer immunology, women scientists across the Swiss Health Valley are driving discovery, innovation, and impact. In recent weeks, several remarkable researchers have been recognized with prestigious national and international awards, underscoring both the excellence and the diversity of scientific leadership in Western Switzerland.

Dr. Pia De Stefano – Advancing Epilepsy Research at HUG

Dr. Pia De Stefano, Chief Resident at the Neurology Department of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), has been awarded the Kahn Prize 2025 by the Hugo Kahn Jubiläumsstiftung für Epilepsieforschung for her outstanding contributions to clinical research in epilepsy.
The award was presented during the Swiss Federation of Clinical Neuro-Societies (SFCNS) congress in Lausanne by Professor Lukas Imbach, President of the Swiss League Against Epilepsy.
This recognition adds to her growing list of honors, including the 2022 Research Encouragement Prize from the same league — a testament to the quality, consistency, and impact of her work in advancing epilepsy treatment and patient care.

Dr. Nako Nakatsuka – Engineering the Future of Neurochemical Sensing

At the EPFL Neuro-X Institute, Dr. Nako Nakatsuka leads the Laboratory for Chemical Nanotechnology (CHEMINA), where her research bridges chemistry, physics, neuroscience, and engineering. She has been awarded the Ruzicka Prize 2025 by ETH Zurich, supported by dsm-firmenich, for her groundbreaking work on Engineering Nano- and Micro-Biosensors for Human Health.
Her innovations in neurochemical sensor technology aim to revolutionize the way we detect and treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Nakatsuka is also the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant and a finalist for the 2025 Nature Awards – Inspiring Women in Science.

Professor Andrea Ablasser – Illuminating the Immune System’s Hidden Pathways

At EPFL’s Global Health Institute, Professor Andrea Ablasser has been named one of the recipients of the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research 2025 from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK, New York). Her pioneering work on the cGAS–STING pathway has revealed how innate immune responses are linked to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration associated with aging — insights that may open new therapeutic frontiers in oncology and neuroimmunology.

Professor Dominique Soldati-Favre – A Lifetime of Leadership in Parasitology and Mentorship

The Nessim Habif World Prize 2025 has been awarded to Professor Dominique Soldati-Favre, Director of the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine.
A Geneva- and Zurich-trained biochemist with an international career spanning Stanford, Heidelberg, and Imperial College London, she is renowned for her discoveries on the parasites behind malaria and toxoplasmosis, and for her dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
As Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, she initiated mentoring programs and joint doctoral schools, shaping the Swiss academic ecosystem for years to come.

Inspiring a Generation

These four remarkable scientists exemplify the strength, diversity, and creativity that make the Swiss Health Valley a global hub for life sciences. Their breakthroughs — from molecular sensors to neural networks — not only advance science but also inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in research and innovation.